Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals Dual Antitumor and Adaptive Resistance Mechanisms of a Novel HSP90 Inhibitor, SP11, in T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemic Cells and DLA Mouse Model

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a molecular chaperone essential for maintaining the stability of many oncogenic client proteins. Although several HSP90 inhibitors (HSP90i) have entered clinical trials, their use has been limited by toxicity and resistance, underscoring the need for improved therapeutic strategies. In this study, we assessed the therapeutic potential of a new HSP90i, SP11, in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) in vitro and in the DLA mouse model in vivo, using single-cell transcriptomic profiling. Single-cell RNA sequencing showed that SP11 treatment reduces key oncogenic drivers, including MYC, BCL2, and stemness-related genes, consistent with impaired leukemic survival programs. In the DLA mouse model, SP11-mediated HSP90 inhibition was associated with alterations in the tumor microenvironment, including increased immune cell representation and enrichment of cytokine- and antigen-presentation-related transcriptional pathways. Despite these antitumor effects, a distinct subpopulation of cells continued to express or re-express MYC and BCL2, suggesting the development of early adaptive resistance. Consistent with these findings, an SP11-resistant MOLT4 cell line maintained high levels of MYC and BCL2 at both the transcript and protein levels, maintained CD44 expression, and exhibited altered inflammatory cytokine signaling. Functional studies confirmed that pharmacological inhibition of BCL2 notably increased SP11 sensitivity, supporting a rational combination strategy. Collectively, our results show that SP11 may exert both tumor-intrinsic and immune-modulating effects and reveal transcriptionally defined adaptive cellular states linked to resistance. This study provides mechanistic in sights into responses to HSP90 inhibition and supports combination approaches for improving therapeutic outcomes in T-ALL.